Cooking and Recipes
Easy Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
This recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a protein boost.
Yields: Approximately 12-15 cookies Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate work well)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Optional add-ins:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and egg. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add the protein powder and baking soda. Mix until a thick dough forms. It might take a little bit of stirring to fully combine.
- Stir in optional add-ins (if using): If you're adding chocolate chips, nuts, or any other desired ingredients, gently fold them into the dough.
- Scoop onto baking sheet: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Flatten slightly (optional): If you prefer flatter cookies, gently press down on the tops of the dough balls with a fork or the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers look set. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Powder: The type of protein powder you use can slightly affect the texture and flavor. Whey protein tends to result in a softer cookie, while casein or plant-based blends might make them a bit denser. Adjust the amount of liquid (if needed, a tiny splash of milk or water) if your dough seems too dry.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference. You can also use other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar.
- Nut Butter: Feel free to experiment with other nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. The texture and flavor will vary slightly.
- Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Use chocolate protein powder and add extra chocolate chips.
- Vanilla Sprinkle: Use vanilla protein powder and top with sprinkles before baking.
- Cinnamon Roll: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade protein cookies! They're a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings and fuel your body.
